global case study
NetherlandsThe Netherlands is home to one of the largest floating solar plants outside Asia – and it was designed and constructed by BayWay r.e. The 18.25 hectare project in Bomhofplas was built in a record-breaking seven weeks, and generates enough green electricity to power 8,000 homes. It’s a flagship development, making a great contribution towards Europe’s 2050 carbon neutral goals.
Solar power has come to be seen as one of the key players when it comes to reducing carbon emissions in countries around the world. Until recently, solar PV installations have usually been ground, or rooftop mounted. However, as we’ve discovered, Floating-PV offers an exciting alternative approach – particularly when there are already pressures on land use and availability.
The Netherlands is a great example of how this form of electricity generation can work.
When it comes to Floating-PV you have to use the right long-lasting technology. Thanks to our expertise and innovation, we have developed a system that is creating renewable energy opportunities for under used lakes such as disused quarries, mineral extraction pits and reservoirs.
Our Bomhofplas project offers a perfect showcase of how an existing body of water – a disused sandpit - can be used for a new application of a well-established solar energy technology that is commonplace on land.
At 18.25 hectares, the size of around 25 football fields, the project comprises 73,000 panels. The construction took place on the lake shore, and as the work was powered by a ‘satellite’ installation of Floating-PV, the process was almost completely carbon-free. All the required panels, inverters and transformers were towed out and installed on the water. There was no need for on shore-based excavations. It took just seven weeks to complete.
And now the farm is up and running, all maintenance, repair and replacement can be carried out on the water.
We developed a state-of-the-art VDE-certified Floating-PV system for the plant, working closely with Zimmermann PV-Stahlbau GmbH to design the substructure. This tailored approach meant we were able to remove the common problems often associated with existing systems. We employed an east-west configuration and ensured the panel design would maximise the potential energy yield throughout the day. At the same time, our system was designed to provide shade. This reduces evaporation, which presents a particular benefit for reservoir applications.
With such a short construction period, Bomhofsplas was able to quickly start generating green electricity, enabling it to contribute towards the Netherlands’ carbon reduction goals.
Environmental considerations are always important to BayWa r.e., and with this in mind, the installation has been developed to ensure a minimal impact on the water and marine environment. The system is anchored to the lake bed rather than to the shore, and there is plenty of space for goodawater flow and light penetration around the panels.
And now the farm is up and running, all maintenance, repair and replacement can be carried out on the water.
We developed a state-of-the-art VDE-certified Floating-PV system for the plant, working closely with Zimmermann PV-Stahlbau GmbH to design the substructure. This tailored approach meant we were able to remove the common problems often associated with existing systems. We employed an east-west configuration and ensured the panel design would maximise the potential energy yield throughout the day. At the same time, our system was designed to provide shade. This reduces evaporation, which presents a particular benefit for reservoir applications.
We’ll be carrying out monitoring over the coming years to measure any impacts, and a number of bio-huts have been installed to provide additional shelter to small fishes and vertebrates, helping to protect and encourage existing marine populations.
